South of France Travel Diary
Seaside paradise , elevated Dining & Vintage Treasures

From daydreaming about the South of France to it becoming my reality, I made the dream come to life by having my first taste of the South of France. I explored this stunning part of the world, with stops in Saint-Tropez, Nice, Monaco, and Menton, as well as a few smaller towns in between. Each place offered its kind of magic, and it’s doable without breaking the bank when you plan right, and the time of year made a difference. We went in early May, I would say we got to feel it, but the peak of the season was just starting.

Quick recap: Flew into Nice, rented a car, and drove to St Tropez, had a quick 48 hours, so time to hit the ground running, but was able to check off some spots on my bucket list. Once returning to Nice got an Airbnb in the heart of the city, and then the next three days were ready to explore the city on foot and there great railway system. Here’s a look inside my trip from the dining experiences, the history, the fashion, and all the coastal beauty in between.

St. Tropez Highlights

My South of France trip started in St. Tropez, where glamour meets seaside charm.
Here are my favorite stops:

Stay: Bastide du Port – A chic yet cozy hotel just steps from the harbor. Peaceful garden breakfasts with fresh croissants were a dream.

Dinner: L’Opéra – Dinner and a show in one music, performances, and that unmistakable St. Tropez energy.

Dinner & Dancing: Gaïo – Fine dining that turns into nightlife. Perfect if you want your evening to flow straight to the dance floor.

Lunch: Marcellino – A relaxed midday pause with Mediterranean flavors.

Brunch: Dior Des Lices – Fashion + food heaven. A must for style lovers.

Beach: Byblos Beach – Sun, turquoise water, and chic loungers. Classic Riviera beach day.

Sweet Treat: La Tarte Tropézienne – The iconic cream-filled brioche. Non-negotiable stop (especially if you love pastries like me).

Vintage Finds: Le Dépôt – Treasure hunting spot for unique pieces.

Flea Market + Yachts – Wander, window shop, and soak up the St. Tropez lifestyle.

St. Tropez is all about balanc:e mornings by the sea, afternoons shopping and exploring, nights full of energy. A mix of simple pleasures and unforgettable glamour.
It’s about an hour and half drive back to Nice can be longer time of year you plan to go.